Eye Medications for Cats With Allergies

An estimated 15 percent of cats suffer from allergies. Many are similar to the types suffered by humans. They include allergies caused by food, medications, fleas, seasonal irritants like pollen and contact dermatitis. Allergies often affect cats' eyes, causing reddening, itching and general discomfort. If eyes are left untreated, the cat might suffer vision problems.

  1. Eye Drops

    • Like humans, cats̵7; eyes respond well to drops. In cats with diagnosed allergies, prescription drops can be effective. For modest cases, veterinarians prescribe antihistamine drops. If the allergy leads to infection, your vet might prescribe antibiotic drops. The drops must be administered between three and six times a day for seven to 10 days.

    Ointments

    • Ointments work the same way as drops, but can be more difficult to administer. A thin film of ointment must be placed on the surface of the eye. The owner then should hold the cat̵7;s eye closed for a few seconds so the ointment becomes distributed evenly across the eye. Ointments can be given less frequently than drops.

    Eliminating Contaminants

    • A simple way to alleviate cats' eye allergies is to identify and remove what is causing the symptoms. Common triggers include carpet cleaners, house cleaners, wool, dust, air fresheners and even certain types of cat litter. Food also can be the cause--and a difficult trigger to identify.